Kojagara Puja
festivalsAlso known as: Sharat 15 Kojagara Vrata, Sharad Purnima
Quick Overview
- Date in 2035
- Tuesday, October 16, 2035
- Tithi
- Ashwin Shukla Purnima (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 09:34 AM, Oct 16 to 08:06 AM, Oct 17
- Lunar month
- Ashwin · Shukla Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Valmeeki Jayanti
Kojagara Puja
Tuesday, October 16, 2035
Lunar Month: Ashwin
Kojagara Puja at a Glance
Kojagara Puja is fixed by the lunar calendar to Ashwin Shukla Purnima, the 15th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Ashwin.
- Tithi rule
- Ashwin Shukla Purnima (Purnimanta)Shukla PurnimaAshwin month
- Tithi swami and group
- Chandra · Purna Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- Valmeeki Jayanti
Panchanga on This Day
Kojagara Puja · Oct 16, 2035
About Kojagara Puja
Kojagara Puja, also widely known as Sharad Purnima or Kojagiri Purnima, is celebrated on the full moon night of the Ashwin month, marking the height of the Sharad (autumn) season. The name 'Kojagara' is derived from the Sanskrit phrase 'Ko Jagarti,' meaning 'Who is awake?' It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth on this night and blesses those who remain awake, observing vigil and devotion.
Sharad Purnima is associated with numerous legends, the most beloved being the Raas Leela of Lord Krishna with the Gopis in Vrindavan. It is said that on this moonlit night, Krishna performed the Maha-Raas, manifesting himself in multiple forms so that every Gopi could dance with him. The moon is also believed to emit healing nectar (Amrit) on this night, and traditionally, rice flakes (Poha) soaked in milk and left under the moonlight are consumed as prasad.
The festival is celebrated with great devotion across India, especially in Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and North India. Women observe a fast, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Indra, and spend the night singing, dancing, and playing games under the full moon. The cool autumn air, the brilliance of the moon, and the spirit of togetherness make Kojagara Puja one of the most enchanting nights of the Hindu year.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Kojagara Puja is observed with fasting, Lakshmi worship, moonlit vigil, and the consumption of moon-charged kheer.
- Take an early bath and wear clean, preferably white or light-colored traditional clothes.
- Observe a day-long fast, abstaining from grains and salt; some consume only fruits and milk.
- Set up an altar with the image of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu, adorned with flowers and lamps.
- Prepare Kheer (rice pudding) or Poha soaked in milk and leave it under the moonlight to absorb its nectar.
- Worship Goddess Lakshmi in the evening with incense, lamps, coins, and sweets.
- Stay awake through the night (Jagaran), singing devotional songs and playing traditional games under the full moon.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean the Puja area and decorate it with flowers and rangoli.
- Place the idols or images of Lakshmi and Vishnu on the altar.
- Offer flowers, incense, and lamps while chanting Lakshmi and Vishnu mantras.
- Place a bowl of kheer or poha mixed with milk under the moonlight.
- Perform Aarti and distribute the moon-charged prasad to family members.
- Spend the night in devotion, singing, and keeping vigil.
Vrat Katha: Goddess Lakshmi's Night of Blessings
On Sharad Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth and asks, 'Ko Jagarti?' (Who is awake?).
A poor but devoted washerwoman stayed awake all night in prayer, and Lakshmi blessed her with immense wealth.
Since then, devotees keep vigil on Kojagara night to receive the Goddess's grace and prosperity.
Kojagara Puja: Frequently Asked Questions
Ashwin Shukla Purnima; its swami is Chandra, a Purna Tithi.
Shukla Purnima: 09:34 AM, Tue, Oct 16, 2035 to 08:06 AM, Wed, Oct 17, 2035 (IST).
Ashwin Shukla Purnima: 02:32 PM, Sat, Oct 4, 2036 to 03:45 PM, Sun, Oct 5, 2036 (IST).
Valmeeki Jayanti, also on Ashwin Shukla Purnima.
The word comes from 'Ko Jagarti,' meaning 'Who is awake?' referring to Goddess Lakshmi's query on this night.
Kheer or Poha soaked in milk and left under the moonlight is consumed as prasad, believed to be charged with lunar nectar.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Ashwin
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
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